2 for Lynam as Hussey gets clear Road late

Those that observed the major market move for Banner Road on October 21st, when she was withdrawn for refusing to load, have been rewarded in following the Dark Angel filly since as she made it back to back wins in the Christmas Parties At Dundalk Nursery Handicap under Michael Hussey.

Put in at 3/1 this morning, Banner Road somehow was as big as 11/2 on track at Dundalk but the on-course layers were made pay as the juvenile was backed into 11/4.

She managed to bring up a double for Eddie Lynam, following his earlier success with Slade Power in the opener, but it wasn't all plain sailing.

Hussey went for a gap on the rail that closed in his face but once switched, despite swishing her tail, Banner Road quickened up smartly to get on top close home – denying Catfromtherock by half a length.

Lynam quipped: "I thought I was going to need a change of trousers there for a while as things weren't going to plan but she got there in the end.

The County Meath-based handler continued: "She is not mad about the stalls and she'll go for a holiday now.

"It's the second year that I've had horses for Jimmy Long (owner of Thistle Bloodstock Ltd) and he is a good client to have." (AM & EM)